Advanced Level Practical Work for Biology

by Sally Morgan

The new A level Specifications for Biology require students to carry out experimental and investigative activities; these are to include an element of synoptic work, and carry up to 20 per cent of the overall marks. Four practical skills are clearly devising and planning experiments; demonstrating safe techniques; making observations and measurements; and, interpreting, explaining, evaluating and communicating the results. This part of the new specifications is the one about which teachers and students feel least certain. Conventional textbooks rarely give the practical element more than a cursory glance. This short guide therefore provides students with the help that they need, whether they are taking a practical exam, or answering questions on experiments in a written paper. The first part of the book focuses on the four main skills, the common element for all awarding bodies. There are then chapters covering the individual features of each of the main awarding bodies, to ensure complete coverage.

128 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 2002

About the author

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Sally Morgan is a leading author of children's information books. She has written more than 250 titles, covering wildlife, natural history, science, geography, and environmental topics. She writes for all ages from first readers through to 16+ readership as well as books aimed at family readership.

Sally read Natural Sciences at Cambridge which was followed by several years of research into the restoration of derelict land. She then taught biology for a few years before turning to writing. With her love of the natural world and her concerns about the loss of habitats worldwide, it was not surprising that she chose to write about wildlife and environmental issues.

She is lucky enough to own a small organic farm in Somerset. When she is not writing she can be found on the farm looking after her rare breed poultry, sheep and pigs or weeding the kitchen garden! Conservation is important to her and the farm is managed to improve biodiversity. Keen to connect people with their food, Sally has set up a small education centre on the farm, where people can learn about smallholding, butchery and other rural skills.
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